Vice Chancellor, graduates, families, friends, loved ones. It is my honour to stand here before you today and speak on behalf of students.

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to you all, on this incredible achievement.

Getting to this moment, in an academic year like no other is not easy.

It is a testament of your hard work, determination, sacrifice and most importantly, triumph over the difficulties you may have faced, so you should all be very proud of yourselves.

It is key to remember that University is more than the assignments and the exams. It’s more than the ever-increasing price paid to better your future.

 It is more than the piece of paper at the end.

University is an unforgettable experience.

The people that you have met and the memories that you have created together make each of your journeys to graduation unique and special.

Whether this was the endless Uber Eats delivery at 12am, joining a sports team, finding friends for life in a student society or leading a volunteering project that you were passionate about.

You may have even been a representative yourself or led campaigns to help create meaningful change and truly make life better for students.

Whatever it was, it has helped to mould you into the incredible graduates that I see before me today.

I would like to also pay a special thanks to our Course Reps and School Presidents who have volunteered their time alongside their studies to represent the views of students on their course, work with staff to resolve issues and contribute greatly to the student experience of the students they represent.

If you have been a Course Rep or School President at any point during your time at UCLan, please stand up while we give you a round of applause.

As graduates of UCLan, every one of you strengthens this universities worldwide alumni network.

Today’s award is a landmark in both your personal and professional development, and a steppingstone to your future success.

They say that you are the leaders of tomorrow, but many of you are leaders here and now.

Do not wait for the opportunities and experiences to find you. It is important that you seek them out and make the absolute best of the strong foundations that you have laid here, starting with your graduation.

The graduate world may seem like a scary place, and you may feel like you are heading towards a place of uncertainty, that is okay.

You may feel like everyone is making progress in their lives while you’re not, that is okay. No one has it figured out.

Always have compassion for yourself and remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Only you have the power to dictate your life.

So, go out into the world, take risks, dream big, dream fierce and don’t let anything hold you back.

‘The brave do not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.’

Finally, I would like to thank the families, friends, university staff and loved ones that have joined you here today and supported you throughout your UCLan journey.

I wish you all the best for the future, class of 2020 and 2021 and your Students’ Union hopes to see you soon. Once again, congratulations.